Migraine- Facts that one should be aware of

 Migraine headache is a result of specific changes within the brain. It causes severe head pain that is often accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.Migraine headache is characterized by a severe headache usually affecting one side of the head. There are other symptoms along with headache like nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. Some patients experience neurological phenomena like changes in vision, temporary loss of sensation and altered sensation, a phenomenon known as an aura (flashes of light, zigzag patterns, bright spots, tingling in the arms and the legs). Migraine headache can last for 2 to 3 days. 

 Other types of headaches can also cause severe pain, and not all headaches are migraines. For example, some people describe the pain of cluster headaches as the worst pain they have experienced.

The exact cause of migraines is not known. Changes in neurotransmitter levels within the brain are thought to play a role. Migraines are diagnosed by the typical clinical signs and symptoms.

Migraines can be triggered by many factors, for example:
Hormonal changes 
Stress and extreme physical exertion
Strong stimuli like loud noises
Certain foods
Obesity 
Alcohol and caffeinated drinks and beverages 
Salty and processed foods
Altered sleeping habits 
Oral contraceptives and certain vasodilators (nitroglycerin) 
Preservatives like MSG (monosodium glutamate) and Aspartame (sweetener) 
Sunshine, certain odours, travel, etc can trigger migraine.


Migraine treatment usually is with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications.

Symptoms: The symptoms depend on the stage of a migraine attack. The stages of a migraine attack can be: 

1. Prodrome, Aura, Headache or attack, and Postdrome. 
2. Prodorme: One to two days prior to the migraine attack, patient may experience; 
   • Mood swings. 
   • Cravings for food. 
   • Increased yawning. 
   • Stiff neck. 
   • Constipation and frequent thirst and urination. 

In case of an aura (during or before a migraine), there may be visual, motor, speech, and sensory illusions and disturbances such as, 

• Loss of vision. 
• A strange sensation of needles pricking an arm or a leg. 
• One side of the body becomes weak and numb. 
• There are visual illusions such as the appearance of flashes of light, zigzag patterns, bright spots. 
• There is a problem in hearing and speaking. 
• In some cases, there may be a hemiplegic migraine (the limb becomes weak). 

During a Migraine Attack (lasts for 4 to 72 hours), there may be 

1. A throbbing pain on either one or both sides of the head 
2. Blurred vision, light-headedness. 
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Sensitivity to light and sound 
5. Sensitivity to touch and smell (though rare) 

In Postdrome (after a migraine), there can be 

1. Mood swings. 
2. A person may be sensitive to light and sound. 
3. Dizziness and weakness 
4. Confusion 
5. Extreme fatigue

Treatment and Prevention: 

1. Medicines under supervision to abort an attack of migraine and special drugs to stop attacks. 
2. Lifestyle changes are helpful to decrease attacks: 
   • Avoid your trigger for migraine. 
   • Follow regular sleep -wake cycle. 
   • Regular exercise, meditation. 
   • Avoidance of alcohol, caffeine containing beverages. 
3. Other treatment options that can be availed from pain specialist:
4. Transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation
5. Intramuscular stimulation. 
6. Botulinum toxin injection
7. Occipital nerve block.

   When Should I See a Doctor for a Migraine? 

   Call a doctor or other health care professional if any of the following occur:

8. A change in frequency, severity, or features of the migraine commonly experienced
9. A new, progressive headache that lasts for days
10. A headache brought on by coughing, sneezing, bearing down, straining while on the toilet, or other physical straining
11. Significant unintentional loss of body weight
12. Weakness or paralysis that lasts after the headache

Go to a hospital emergency department if any of the following occur:
Having the worst headache ever, especially if the headache had a sudden onset
Headache associated with trauma to the head or loss of consciousness
Fever or stiff neck associated with headache
Decreased level of consciousness or confusion
Paralysis of one side of the body
Seizure

Natural Home Remedies for Pain

Most people with this type of headache can manage the pain of mild-to-moderate attacks at home by:

1. Using a cold compress on the area of pain
2. Resting with pillows comfortably supporting the head or neck
3. Resting in a room with little or no sensory stimulation (from light, sound, or odors)
4. Withdrawing from stressful surroundings
5. Sleeping
6. Drinking a moderate amount of caffeine

 How Can I Prevent Migraines?

Migraine triggers should be identified and avoided. Making individual lifestyle changes is very important. Changes may include avoiding certain types of foods and certain emotional situations. If missing meals triggers headaches, the person should make every effort to eat on a regular basis. In some instances, the use of biofeedback may help reduce the severity and frequency of attacks.

Regular follow-up care with a doctor or other health care professional is a must. Keep a pain journal to monitor the frequency of attacks and the medications you use can be very helpful. It may take several doctor visits before an effective treatment plan is found.
After the headaches are under control, the prognosis is very good. Patience is key. As noted previously, it may take several attempts before an effective treatment plan is found.
No one treatment or drug is effective for every person. A drug that works well for one patient may not provide any relief for another. A combination of different medications is sometimes needed to treat resistant headaches.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.    

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